What criteria should a neighborhood AED meet?

A nearby AED can make the difference between life and death. That's why more and more neighborhoods, associations, and homeowners' associations are opting for a shared neighborhood AED . But what should you consider when purchasing an AED for your neighborhood? Below, you'll find the key points that determine whether an AED is truly suitable for use in your neighborhood.

Reliability and quality

A reliable AED should always be ready when needed. Therefore, choose a device from a recognized brand known for its quality. This way, you can be sure the AED can be used safely and effectively during an emergency. It's important for a neighborhood to invest in a high-quality, long-lasting AED that you can rely on.

Ease of use

In an emergency, every second counts. A neighborhood AED must be easy to use, even for people without medical expertise. Clear spoken instructions, prominent buttons, and visual cues ensure that everyone feels confident enough to take action.

Semi-automatic or fully automatic AED

With a semi-automatic AED, you press the button to administer a shock; with a fully automatic one, this happens automatically. A fully automatic AED is often chosen for neighborhoods or public places because it reduces user anxiety and delivers the shock to the victim more quickly.

Maintenance and costs

An AED requires maintenance: electrodes and batteries need to be replaced regularly. When purchasing an AED for your neighborhood, consider the lifespan of these components. A long lifespan means lower costs and fewer maintenance intervals.

You can also opt for a service contract . With such a contract, maintenance is taken care of for you, so you don't have to worry about replacing parts yourself. This provides additional assurance that the AED is always ready for use and prevents unexpected costs. Especially when several people are responsible for the AED in the area, a service contract can be a convenient and worry-free solution.

Suitable for outdoor use

Is the AED going to be installed outdoors, for example, near a sports field or attached to a facade? Then you need a robust model that can withstand moisture and temperature fluctuations. Always combine this with a good outdoor cabinet.

The right AED cabinet

An AED cabinet is essential for protection and visibility.

• Outdoor cabinet : Equipped with heating and ventilation to protect the AED from cold, heat, and moisture. Often lockable with a PIN code or key lock, and with lighting so the AED can be found even at night.

• Indoor cabinet : Suitable for public buildings such as schools or sports halls. Often equipped with an alarm that sounds when the cabinet is opened.

A striking cabinet with an AED logo makes the AED instantly recognisable and increases the chance that it will be found quickly.

Accessibility and registration

An AED is only useful if it's readily available. Therefore, place it in a central location that's accessible 24/7. Always register the AED with HartslagNu so emergency responders know where to find it.

Training and awareness

An AED is easy to use, but a CPR course will give you extra confidence. If several residents are trained, there's a greater chance someone will dare to intervene in the event of a cardiac arrest.

Conclusion

A neighborhood AED must be reliable, user-friendly, and well-maintained. The AED cabinet also plays a crucial role in protection and visibility. By choosing an accessible location and registering the device with HartslagNu, you increase the chance that lives can be saved in your neighborhood.